WHAT ARE EFFECTIVE MICRO-ORGANISMS? Effective Micro-organisms (EM), is a collective group of active bacteria, yeasts and fungi, in a liquid base, which occur freely in nature. They promote the conversion of organic matter and increase the natural balance and biodiversity in the stable, the soil and the environment.
Actiferm is a liquid mixture of active micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi and yeasts), that promote the organic conversion (fermentation) of waste materials.
You can innoculate the stable, spray on the pasture or on the manure heap.
Due to the principle of competitive exclusion and dominance, the good bacteria out-compete the pathogenic micro-organisms. The organic compounds in the manure, bedding and grass clippings are converted through a maturing fermentative process into easily absorbable nutrients. During this transformation they enter into competition with rotting bacteria, germs and ammonia vapours.
The chances of infections picked up by the horses from their environment is diminshed and the treated manure is a valuable product for the soil.
In the stable Actiferm creates a natural balance and a high biodversity. A decline in infections is noticeable which translates into a higher return because the vitality and immune resistance of the horse increases.
In addition, Actiferm also provides an easy solution for the processing of manure. Sprayed over the bedding material facilitates the conversion of the organic material (waste), in the horse-box. The production of ammonia is drastically reduced, thus preventing any rotting process. Respiratory problems are less frequent. There are fewer flies attracted to the stable and it has been scientifically proven that Actiferm disrupts the reproduction cycle of the fly
Available in 2 litres and 20 litres bag-in-a-box (vacuum packed for freshness and preservation of effectiveness) and 20 litre can.
Actiferm Liquid - Activated Effective Micro-organisms
HOW DO EFFECTIVE MICRO-ORGANISMS WORK?
FERMENTATION - principle: Everywhere around us microbial processes take place. The environmental conditions determine the nutritional value of the final product. The waste materials are broken down and transformed into useful fermented matter. Which process takes place is essentially important for soil, plants and animals. There are oxidative, fermentative, aerobic and anaerobic decomposition processes. Within the fermentative process, we make a distinction between mature or useful fermentation and putrefaction, which is harmful rotting. It is important to note that these processes may take place at the same time.
Oxidation: The process by which certain micro-organisms, organic matter, (aerobic) break down.This produces soluble inorganic nutrients that can be immediately absorbed by the plant. It also creates CO2 and heat. During this decomposition so much energy is lost. Composting is also a process of oxidation.
Putrefaction: The process (anaerobic), in which micro-organisms break down certain proteins, resulting in smelly and incomplete decomposed metabolic products, which are generally known to be toxic to plants and animals (ammonia, indoles, skatoles, mercaptans, hydrogen sulfide, methane). Otherwise known as rotting.
Maturation: The anaerobic process in which certain micro-organisms can break down complex organic compounds into simple organic or inorganic substances which are immediately absorbable by the plant. Additionally, they are produced by micro-organisms, metabolic products such as antibiotics, hormones, vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, etc., which are also absorbable by the plant. These products stimulate plant growth, increase the natural immune resistance in soil, plants and animals, and suppress disease. This fermentation requires a small amount of energy, which means that there is more energy left in the product. 1) Photo-trophic bacteria > produce substances that inhibit and promote the growth of micro-organisms. 2) Lactic acid bacteria > suppress pathogens and encourage rapid decomposition of organic material. 3) Yeasts > produce bioactive substances such as vitamins and anti-oxidants. 4) Fungi > promote the fermentation.
DOMINANCE - principle: In the world of micro-organisms, there are different groups.There is a small group of dominant beneficial micro-organisms, a small group of dominant harmful micro-organisms and a large group of ‘followers’. There is an ongoing power struggle between the effective microbes and the ones that can cause disease. The billions of followers are just waiting to see which group gets the upper hand. Then they adapt, follow or imitate the winning team. The use of fertilisers and chemicals, improper tillage, and overcrowding of pastures encourages a predominance of harmful micro-organisms in the stable, soil and forage. This affects the health of your horse.